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(a) Authority to Seek Injunction. Upon receiving information that an attorney is engaging in professional misconduct or has an incapacity and poses an immediate threat of causing (1) death or substantial bodily harm to another, (2) substantial injury to the financial interest or property of another, or (3) substantial harm to the administration of justice, Bar Counsel, with the approval of the Chair of the Commission, may apply in accordance with the provisions of Title 15, Chapter 500 for appropriate injunctive relief against the attorney. The relief sought may include restricting the attorney's practice of law, limiting or prohibiting withdrawals from any account in any financial institution, and limiting or prohibiting transfers of funds or property. 

(b) Parties. The action for injunction shall be brought in the name of the Commission against the attorney whose conduct is alleged to be causing or threatening the harm and against any other person alleged to be assisting or acting in concert with the attorney.

(c) Service. A copy of any petition filed or order issued pursuant to Title 15, Chapter 500 shall be served on the attorney in accordance with Rule 19-723.

(d) Inability to Defend. Upon a credible allegation by the attorney or other evidence that the attorney, by reason of physical or mental disability or impairment, is unable to assist in a defense to a petition filed pursuant to section (a) of this Rule, the circuit court may (1) appoint counsel for the attorney if the attorney is not otherwise represented by counsel, (2) appoint a guardian ad litem, or (3) both.

(e) Effect of Investigation or Disciplinary or Remedial Proceeding. A court may not delay or deny an injunction solely because misconduct is or may become the subject of an investigation under Rule 19-711 or the basis for a Statement of Charges under Rule 19-718.

(f) Order Granting Injunction. In addition to meeting the requirements of Rule 15-502 (e), an order granting a preliminary or permanent injunction under this section shall include specific findings by a preponderance of the evidence that the attorney has engaged in the alleged professional misconduct or has the incapacity alleged and poses the threat alleged in the complaint. A bond shall not be required except in exceptional circumstances.

(g) Service on Financial Institution. An order granting an injunction under this section that limits or prohibits withdrawals from any account or that limits or prohibits a transfer of funds or property is effective against any financial institution upon which it is served from the time of service.

(h) Expedited Disciplinary or Remedial Action.

(1) Filing of Petition. When an injunction is issued pursuant to this Rule, notwithstanding any pending appeal or motion to modify or dissolve the injunction, Bar Counsel shall immediately file a Petition for Disciplinary or Remedial Action pursuant to Rule 19-721. A certified copy of the order granting the injunction shall be attached to the petition.

(2) Action on Petition. The action shall proceed in accordance with Rules 19-721 through 19-729 and Rules 19-741 through 19-744, to the extent applicable. The Supreme Court may assign the petition for hearing to the judge who granted the injunction.

Attorney Grievance defense attorney specializes in defending lawyers in disciplinary proceedings before the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission and the D.C. Bar's Board on Professional Responsibility involving professional misconduct, legal ethics, disbarment, suspensions of law licenses, petitions for disciplinary action, reprimands and sanctions for unethical conduct. If you receive a letter from Bar Counsel Lydia Lawless, Disciplinary Counsel Hamilton Fox, or from any attorney disciplinary board in Maryland or the District of Columbia, retain experienced attorneys with expertise in lawyer discipline and breach of ethics cases to avoid sanctions for professional misconduct. We help lawyers avoid disbarment, suspension, reprimands, censure and informal admonitions by drafting responses to client grievances and ethical complaints; representing lawyers in peer reviews, evidentiary hearings, and oral arguments before the BPR and the Court of Appeals; filing petitions to reinstate an attorney's license to practice law; conducting law firm ethical compliance audits; and drafting legal ethics opinions to protect lawyers from ethics charges. In many cases, disciplinary proceedings may be dismissed, dismissed with a warning, or result in a conditional diversion agreement with Bar Counsel to rectify misconduct. Lawyers may need help in managing their law firm attorney escrow IOLTA trust account and complying with attorney trust accounting rules to avoid charges of ethical misconduct. Do not represent yourself in responding to an attorney grievance, law firm client complaint, or other allegation of ethical impropriety. Attorney grievance defense counsel may help you comply with legal ethics rules, avoid sanctions like suspension or disbarment, and avoid future attorney grievances.

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By The Lawyer's Lawyers | Kramer & Connolly and Irwin R. Kramer who are responsible for the content of this informational website.   This website is designed for lawyers faced with attorney grievances. As cases do differ, past performance does not guarantee future results.
 

NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND
OR THE BOARD ON PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE D.C. BAR